As a first time home buyer, it can be an overwhelming experience to begin looking at homes in any given city. This can especially be the case in Edmonton, with so many great neighbourhoods to choose from that are within a short commute to downtown. If you're a first time home buyer unsure of which area best suits you, here are three reasons why Sherwood Park might be the perfect destination for your first home.

Practicality: A Variety of Affordable Housing

In Sherwood Park, you can find virtually every kind of housing you're interested in purchasing, whether it's a condominium, a townhouse, or a detached home. Though the specific property prices vary depending on the particular locations within Sherwood Park, you might be surprised at the level of affordability this sought- after neighbourhood offers in its housing. With condominiums available for under $200,000 and detached homes for under $400,000, Sherwood Park might just be the most ideal first time homeowner's area of choice.

Convenience: Close Commute and Nearby Amenities

With just a twenty minute drive west to reach downtown Edmonton, residents of Sherwood Park are perfectly situated away from the hustle and bustle while still being within arm's reach whenever they choose to enjoy the downtown atmosphere. For those who work in downtown Edmonton, Sherwood Park is an ideal location to cut back on the daily commute. Eastgate Shopping Centre in the central area of Sherwood Park provides all the daily necessities, while grocery stores like Sobeys and Happy Mart make collecting fresh ingredients for dinner a convenient task.

Lifestyle: Recreational Activities for Everyone to Enjoy

Sherwood Park is an independent area that stands on its own - and offers many recreational amenities to enjoy on a daily basis. For golf lovers, Broadmoor Public Golf Course makes a perfect at-home green for some weekend putting, while other outdoor areas like Ball Lake Park, Strathcona Athletic Park, Sherwood Heights Park, and Greengrove Park offer ideal settings for nature, sports, and fitness lovers alike.

Future: A Great Community For Kids

With many safe and family-oriented neighbourhoods within its boundaries, Sherwood Park is a great place to raise kids, which is something that might be on your mind as a first time home buyer. Though this milestone may be set far off in your future, you still want to be sure to account for it in your home purchase. Sherwood Park, with its many well-acclaimed schools like Bev Facey Community High School and Salisbury Composite High, as well as many elementary schools, is a great place for your future children's education. Sherwood Park, with Glen Allan Recreation Complex, Millennium Place, and Sherwood Park Arena and Sports Centre will certainly keep them busy, too.

Whichever area you decide to purchase your first home in, you want to ensure that it offers the means of practicality and convenience while also catering to any changes in your family or lifestyle that may occur in the near future, like the addition of children. Plenty of areas in Edmonton will offer just that, and Sherwood Park is certainly one that should be considered.